Five reasons why I will be outside on Black Friday (and I hope you will too)

Last year outdoor retailer REI took a stand to celebrate #OptOutside by closing its doors and paying employees to spend time outside with their families. And this year, they are doing it again as a leader in the #OptOutside movement.

REI and many others are celebrating by asking everyone an important question: Will you go outside with us? I am thrilled to see the momentum build in the #OptOutside movement to promote and encourage everyone to spend time outdoors and connecting with nature.

At rei.com 1.7 million people (and growing) are choosing to get outside on Black Friday.

You may be thinking. It’s just one day. Ah, yes. But it is more than just a day. It is “Black Friday,” a day that has become synonymous with (over)consumption of things. It is also a day where many work very long hours to provide an around the clock shopping experience.

I know. There was a time when I would get up early (sometimes staying up late and never going to sleep) to be there among the early crowd. It was often for the amusement of seeing what people were after that year. It was always amazing to see such a circus of people racing around, standing in long lines, and frantically swiping credit cards.

Choosing an outdoor adventure rather than the consumption of Black Friday is something I have been doing for the last few years. And I often wonder what the heck took me so long. I hope you will consider joining me (and more than 1.7 million people and growing) who will choose to #OptOutside on Black Friday.

[Tweet “Each moment provides the chance to see wonders great and small unfolding. #OptOutside@jlynnfrazier”]

I have been sharing a thought every day this month on Instagram about why I am choosing to #OptOutside. Here are five of them:

I #OptOutside because each moment provides me with the chance to see wonders great and small unfolding.

I #OptOutside because when I stand with the trees of the forest I feel more grounded in the present moment.

I #OptOutside because of the thrill of the paddle. Each spring, the rivers open up with such energy and power.

“I #OptOutside because each snowflake is unique and falling from the sky in big, beautiful white flakes. Nature is a place of wonder and healing. It is a place of hope for all of us.

I #OptOutside because the noise and chaos of the world falls away and I am here now, following paths and crossing rivers as I come to them.

About Jlynn Frazier

Hi, I’m Jlynn Frazier and I am wild for adventure! I work a “9 to 5” like many people do and I am passionate about spending as much time outside in nature as possible. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you through stories and photographs and I hope to spark your curiosities to explore and protect all of our natural resources.

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Jlynn Frazier

Hi, I’m Jlynn Frazier and I am wild for adventure! I work a “9 to 5” like many people do and I am passionate about spending as much time outside in nature as possible. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you through stories and photographs and I hope to spark your curiosities to explore and protect all of our natural resources.